BVB crashes Bayer's party and sets its sights on the Champions League

It was supposed to be a farewell gala for Xabi Alonso and Jonathan Tah. But Borussia Dortmund had something to counter this, and after a mixed start, they quickly secured three important points in Leverkusen. With the 4-2 (2-1) victory on Matchday 33 of the Bundesliga, BVB remains firmly in the race for Champions League qualification.

After a strong opening phase for Leverkusen and a lead through Jeremie Frimpong (31'), Julian Brandt (33'), Julian Ryerson (43'), Karim Adeyemi (73'), and Serhou Guirassy (76') turned the game around for Borussia. Jonas Hofmann (90'+2') only managed to level the scores in stoppage time.

With their eighth win in nine unbeaten Bundesliga matches, BVB has virtually secured European qualification heading into the final matchday and could reach the Champions League on their own. A three-goal home win against already relegated Kiel would secure Dortmund's place in the Champions League, as rivals Freiburg and Frankfurt will face each other in a direct clash.

"We still have an important game, and we have to win it," said BVB coach Niko Kovac after the match - he didn't yet know that Frankfurt would only get one point against FC St. Pauli .

There was plenty of love and tears on the pitch and in the stands before kickoff on Sunday (May 11, 2025). Following the announcement of his departure, Bayer coach Xabi Alonso received much attention, and Jonathan Tah was also bid farewell after ten years in Leverkusen – and was given the opportunity to lead the team onto the field once again as captain.

"On the one hand, we are very happy with what we have achieved, and on the other hand, we are sad that it was the last time we played here at home," said Tah after the game.

It was clear that the dethroned champions wanted to crown this special day with a special victory. Without Patrik Schick or Victor Boniface in the starting lineup, Alonso relied on pace and pressing, and that's exactly what he got. Leverkusen, driven by a very strong Florian Wirtz, dominated the opening phase.

The hosts had an 8-0 shots on goal and 7-0 corners after 15 minutes. However, the truth was that, as in recent weeks, the Werkself initially struggled to create clear-cut chances – or even convert them. Leverkusen couldn't hope for any help from the defenders either. Referee Deniz Aytekin overturned a penalty against Rami Bensebaini after 18 minutes because he saw on video footage that the Dortmund player had touched the ball first with his high-risk tackle on Alejandro Grimaldo.

It took a full half hour before Alonso's team's dominance was reflected on the scoreboard. Wirtz danced lightly and long-handedly through the penalty area on the right until Frimpong was free to shoot, and the Dutchman then fired the ball into the top left corner of the net with his weaker left foot to make it 1-0.

A festive atmosphere abounded in the BayArena on "Xabi Alonso Allee"—at least that was the sign the coach had received before the game. But just two minutes later, BVB put a stop to the festivities with their first proper attack. With great vision, Pascal Groß sent the onrushing Karim Adeyemi to the byline on the right side of the penalty area. The return pass was converted by the completely unmarked Brandt to make it 1-1. It was Dortmund's first ever shot on goal.

Leverkusen needed a few minutes to digest that. But then the passing machine started up again, and the visitors had major problems. But they still had Gregor Kobel in goal. The BVB goalkeeper saved from close range both against Nathan Tella (40th minute) and, even more dangerously, against Wirtz (41st minute).

"It was fun, and I'm happy that I could help a little," Kobl said modestly after the game.

The Black and Yellows showed how it's done right. Their second shot on goal also found the back of the net. Once again, Groß, who thought Ryerson was charging behind him, quickly intercepted a Brandt pass, and the Norwegian slotted the ball into the bottom left corner of the post from 16 meters out to make it 2-1.

Bayer was not at all impressed. The hosts had further top-class chances before the halftime whistle, but Kobel (45'+4 against Amine Adli) and the crossbar (45'+5 on a Tella header) again saved the lead. 9 shots on goal: 2 - score 1-2, things were going perfectly for BVB.

Leverkusen's fans, heading to the home stands, expected a Werkself attack in the second half. But that didn't happen. BVB defended Leverkusen's passing game strongly and skillfully. And the runners-up seemed to be slowly running out of steam. The pressure never materialized.

Just under the hour mark, Alonso brought on fresh attacking players in Jonas Hofmann and striker Patrik Schick. But coach Niko Kovac's team had the better chances going forward. Adeyemi (61') narrowly missed a cross. Guirassy (72') was denied from a tight angle by goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky.

And then BVB rewarded themselves with a beautiful attack. After winning the ball with a quick pass, Adeyemi set off and, after a short sprint, fired a beautiful shot into the top right corner to make it 3-1. When Guirassy then added his 20th goal of the season, the Black and Yellows' celebrations knew no bounds. Even Hofmann's goal in injury time, following a beautiful outside-of-the-foot cross from Wirtz, could not change that.

Ranked eleventh eight weeks ago, BVB actually still has a chance of qualifying for the Champions League in the 2025/26 season with a home win against Holstein Kiel on Matchday 34 – if the opposition plays along. For Dortmund, everything depends on the SC Freiburg vs. Eintracht Frankfurt match. For Leverkusen, a somewhat bumpy second half of the season comes to an end with the away game at 1. FSV Mainz 05 (Saturday, May 17, 2025, starting at 3:30 p.m., all games will be broadcast as audio streams and live tickers in the Sportschau Live Center).

• football
• Bundesliga
• Bayer 04 Leverkusen
• Borussia Dortmund